Richard Darin Nelson

On the morning of April 18, 2006, the Nelson family, Schat family, Stimac family and countless others in Arizona, California, Nevada and Montana lost a favorite son, brother, uncle, nephew and friend. Richard Darin Nelson was dearly and deeply loved by all who knew him.

Rick's early years were spent at the family-owned Holland Lake Lodge lying at the feet of the beautiful Swan Mountain Range in northwest Montana. It was there that his lifelong love of the outdoors and his independent, adventurous spirit was encouraged and truly helped form his life.

The days spent traversing the streams, lakes and mountains with his three sisters, Michelle, Nikki and Lindi made for many memorable (and sometimes scary) stories. Some of his "extreme" hikes with his beloved sister Lindi have become legend among their peers. Trails meant nothing to that pair.

Rick joined a health club at the age of 14, where his passion for fitness and bodybuilding would later become more than a vocation; it was almost the mission statement of his life.

He entered the U.S. Army at 18, and his natural leadership and infectious energy quickly propelled him to the top of his platoon. His exceptional physical abilities, strength and passion for fitness got him into the Army's Master of Fitness Program. He became a master military fitness instructor, where he trained troops and officers in strength conditioning, overall physical fitness and self-defense techniques.

After he left the Army, he took his training into the business world of fitness. He became a director for several athletic clubs in California, and ultimately became founder and president of Master Fitness Academy/Global Fitness Corporation. He trained professional and amateur athletes from a wide array of athletic disciplines. He was also a consultant/trainer for the Miss America Pageant Committee as well as for a number of models for Playboy (undertakings that family and friends thought a large, handsome, muscular, funny man should not have to endure).

Rick's big heart, infectious laugh and endearing sense of humor made him fast friends wherever he went. You could not help but be drawn to the gentle giant with the mischievous grin.

The most important things in his life were his three sisters, his niece, his mom, Marion, and his father, Richard. He gave of himself freely and made more of an impact on people's lives than he will unfortunately ever know. Rick was a bright and beautiful light who had an ability to grab the most out of every moment. His light will live forever in our hearts. He will be sadly and sorely missed. He has gone too soon.

Rick was preceded in death by his grandparents and an uncle.

He is survived by his father, Richard Nelson; his mother, Marion Schat; three sisters, Michelle Nelson and her husband, Steve Fargan, Nicole and her husband, Mitch Stimac, and Lindi Nelson; a brother, Landon Ryan; a second mom, Vicky Tyree; stepmother, Mary Young; stepfather, Jack Ryan; and a niece, Kine Stimac.

Memorial services will be held at 4 p.m. Saturday, May 6, 2006, at Wayfarer State Park in Bigfork, followed by a celebration of his life at the Swan Events and Rooftop Gardens in Bigfork. The family requests memorials be given to the Missoula Youth Homes in Missoula.

Buffalo Hill Funeral Home and Crematory is caring for the family.